OFFICIAL TURN OVER CEREMONY FOR CUMBERLAND HOUSE REMOTE HOUSING PROGRAM

Carol Teichrob, minister responsible for Saskatchewan MunicipalGovernment, today presented deeds to 11 families who built homes inCumberland House under The Remote Housing Program.

Other officials attending the ceremony at Cumberland House were: LloydReekie, representing Diane Marleau, minister responsible for CanadaMortgage and Housing; and Keith Goulet, MLA for Cumberland.

"In 1994 the federal government announced a strategic initiative toaddress housing needs in communities with no year-round road, rail orferry access," Reekie said. "This initiative, known as The RemoteHousing Program, addresses emergency housing needs in northern Canadiancommunities. The northern Saskatchewan community of Cumberland Housemet the federal requirements, allowing it to build 11 homes."

"Northerners live in dwellings that are severely overcrowded and lackbasic services such as water and sewer," Teichrob said. "The provincewas pleased to work with the federal government and the community todevelop this pilot project. Clients, families and friends workedtogether to build these homes. This is proof that northerners aretaking a leadership role in developing solutions to community concerns. Northerners have little opportunity to address their housing needs asthere is a severe shortage of housing and virtually no private market."

Saskatchewan Municipal Government Housing Division is cost-sharing TheRemote Housing Program delivery on a 75/25 per cent federal/provincialbasis. The province is responsible for co-ordination and supervisionof the entire project.

The program is also receiving donations of land and services from theVillage of Cumberland House, labour training initiatives from the NewCareers Corporation and community or applicant labour contributions.